After two-plus years of training, Loral O'Hara (MSAAE '09) is ready for her first spaceflight assignment as part of NASA's astronaut program.

Marcos Flores, who earned his master's online in 2015 from the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, served his first shift on console as flight director in mid-November.

Cesare Guariniello, a research scientist in AAE and an AAE alumnus, will be commander of Purdue's crew at the Mars Desert Research Station.

Ernie Gambaro credits the Purdue work ethic for his professional success that led to many Giant Leaps in his career. This legacy will live on through his endowment of the graduate program in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Allison Bolinger (BSAAE '04) completed her certification in mid-October, making her the fourth Purdue graduate to become a NASA flight director.

Todd Probert (MSAAE '89, OAE '17) and Ted Torgerson (BSAAE '83, OAE '12) received were honored by the Aviation Week Network.

AAE alum Ronak Dave, a flight controller at NASA, returned to campus for YPAC in August.

Fourteen astronauts returned to Purdue's campus for a reunion on Oct. 10-12 and spoke with Purdue classes, visited local schools and toured campus.

Murugan Palaniappan (BSAAE '10) was awarded the Young Engineering Alumnus Award at the Purdue Engineering Alumni Association dinner and awards presentation Sept. 27.

Ashwati Das was named by the Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) to the list of outstanding young space and satellite professionals under the age of 35.